Fundamental properties of mortar using cement clinker as fine aggregate

Cement can utilize industrial wastes or municipal wastes as raw materials or fuel in the manufacturing process. As the consumption of cement increases, the consumption of these wastes may increase. Based on this reason, cement clinker is applied as a concrete aggregate for increasing the consumption of cement. This study evaluated some fundamental properties of cement clinker aggregate and mortar mixed with cement clinker aggregates. From the results, as the particle size of cement clinker became finer, the calorific value of cement clinker in deionized water increased. In addition, the amount of hydrate of mortar mixed with cement clinker as fine aggregate increased as compared with mortar mixed with pit sand as a fine aggregate. Furthermore, the durability and fundamental physical properties of mortar were improved when mixed with cement clinker as a fine aggregate. In detail, when cement clinker was used as mortar aggregate, the porosity was reduced, and the compressive strength and resistance to chloride ion permeation were improved. Some observation results around the interface between the cement matrix and the aggregate using SEM etc. provide information on the mechanism by which various properties were improved.